Product Designer at ECS Tech

Challenges:

• Strict security protocols limiting design and technology choices
• Compliance with federal accessibility standards (Section 508)
• Limited ability to conduct user research with actual end users
• Required approval processes for each design iteration

Solution:

Faced with strict security protocols and limited access to end users, I partnered with internal stakeholders to align on goals and validate design decisions. I applied the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) to ensure Section 508 compliance and create a consistent, accessible UI. Using JavaScript and other front-end web development languages, I enhanced the interactivity and responsiveness of the site, improving usability within technical constraints. I managed the design and development workflow through GitLab, using version control and modular web design practices to streamline collaboration and meet federal approval requirements.

Challenges:

• Confluence pages rely heavily on macros, which can be restrictive for design flexibility.
• Support a variety of uploaded content, including videos, documents, images, and audio files.
• The project involved coordinating feedback from many different stakeholders.

Solution:

To address these challenges, I set up weekly meetings with key stakeholders to identify priorities and determine what content and features needed to be added to the portal. This consistent communication helped streamline feedback and ensure alignment across teams. Within Confluence’s limitations, I leveraged advanced styling options and select plugins to tailor the design to the portal’s exact needs, improving usability while staying within platform constraints. To manage content overload, I also implemented a structured archive system that allowed outdated or less relevant materials to be cycled out without being lost, keeping the portal clean and easy to navigate.